Lego Universe

If there's one toy I was a devout fan of growing up, no doubt, it was anything Lego. The toys were addicting I would sit down and play all day attaching the piece together. This is something kids still do to this day as the Lego brand is just as powerful and popular as it was those 12+ years ago.

Question: What is lego doing these days to increase their market share?

Answer: Creating a virtual world!

Daniel Terdiman explained in his recent blog entry, "Lego Universe.." everything that's going down in Lego Land...

As you probably know, virtual worlds are HUGE right now, from Second life for adults, to WebKinz for little kids, theyre taking over the internet. Denver based web company, NetDevil is in the process of creating this "world" where users, primarily children, will be able to interact with one another, using lego versions of themselves. The primary basis of the world will revolve around building (duh), as users can create buildings with digital representations of lego blocks. What I think is awesome, is that they are in the trying to create a way for you to buy the things in which you make. For example if little Johnny builds a castle, he would then be able to order a customized lego set that would build this digital castle.

It seems as though users will be able to gain accessories and bricks as they progress through the "game" and another cool thing is that not only can you make things, but your friends or enemies in Lego Universe may even be able to invade your premises!!!

For parents freaking out about safety, here's a good quote from Terdiman, which can calm your nerves: "As the game development process moves on, Lego will work hard to get parents involved because it is very aware that to build a game aimed at kids but which will put kids in the same environment as adults, safety must be a major concern. "

Personally I think this is an awesome idea, 1) they're working with the popularity of these virtual worlds and using their product IN the world and 2) it's a new fun way to get the Lego brand talked about!!!

Check out more at the Lego Universe Official Website